Pitt Amongst Top Schools Vying for Four-Star Ohio Prospect

The next three months will be important for Pitt in its recruitment of a highly recruited four-star prospect from Ohio.

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Pitt sits in the top five for linebacker Grant Beerman, he told Pittsburgh Sports Now, and his decision period is looming as he hopes to select a future home by the end of June.

“I have been fortunate to have made great relationships with some great schools, and Pitt is in my top five,” Beerman said. “I have some difficult decisions to make as I narrow down my options this spring.”

On Friday, March 8, Beerman paid a visit to Pitt, his fourth since the Panthers started recruiting him, and this time he could feel how the program was prioritizing him and his family.

Had a great visit to @Pitt_FB today! Thank you to all of the Coaches and Staff for the hospitality!@CoachDuzzPittFB @BatesBacker @Coach_Manalac @JoshuaKrieger_ @graham_wilbert @LakotaWestFB @theACC #acc @ACCFootball #H2P #Pitt pic.twitter.com/XFeSUMT4IK

— Grant Beerman (@GrantBeerman) March 8, 2024

“The staff made me feel like a priority and spent a lot of time with my family and I, even during a busy day,” he said. “I was able to attend the team and position meetings and watched the team practice.

“After that, the visit was much more personalized. I had lunch at the facilities with the coaches and spent time talking ball with coach Manalac. I was able to talk quite a bit with coach Bates and spent close to an hour with coach Narduzzi. Additionally, the recruiting staff took me to the business school, and we talked through a couple of key programs offered by the program.”

Beerman also watched Pitt’s Spring Practice with a handful of other recruits, including Lakota West teammate Cam Thomas, who holds numerous Power 4 offers, along with one from Pitt.

“One of the highlights of the day was watching the team and the coaches in action,” Beerman said. “It was the first practice in pads, and the intensity really showed on the field. I loved the energy. I attended the practice with Cam Thomas, and we both had a great time.”

Defensive coordinator Randy Bates and linebackers coach Ryan Manalac have made it clear that the Panthers want to land the 16^th player in Ohio, according to Rivals.com.

“I have a very good relationship with Pitt, all the way back to my first spring practice visit this time last year. Coach Bates and I talk often, and I enjoy talking ball with coach Manalac,” Beerman said.

Despite the difficulties that Pitt had last season, Beerman is optimistic about the program getting back to its winning ways.

“I can tell Pitt is on a solid path to have a great year this year,” he said. “There is some new staff on board to focus in on some of the gaps from last year, but there is consistency in key areas, especially with the defense and linebackers. I am really impressed with coach Narduzzi and enjoy the energy he brings to the field during practice and in the meetings.”

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound linebacker has a long list of key offers, including Cincinnati, West Virginia, Purdue, Michigan State and others, and it’s with good reason as he stands out on the gridiron.

“I’m a long and fast LB with versatility to play inside or outside,” he said. “I can get sideline to sideline, and I am a smart player who can read keys and lead on the field.”

Please check out my highlights from my Junior Year regular season and playoff games! ⬇️https://t.co/TkgyX0VxF9

– First Team ALL-Conference (GMC)
– Honorable Mention ALL-Southwest Ohio
– Lead team in Tackles
– 79 tackles
– 12 TFL
– 4 Sacks
– 2 FF
– 2 PD

2025 Lakota West
6'4"… pic.twitter.com/y4jQSClfsU

— Grant Beerman (@GrantBeerman) November 19, 2023

Beerman could quickly slot in with the Panthers in a linebacker group that has emerged as a steady unit in the past few seasons.

“Coach Manalac has told me I would likely start on the outside but would have an opportunity to play instead as well, really with an opportunity to compete at all three spots on the field,” Beerman said.

The West Chester, Ohio native will continue his spring ball stops, including official visits to Cincinnati, Purdue and Michigan State. He will also visit West Virginia, Rutgers, Georgia Tech, Wisconsin, Texas A&M and others.